Statement on the Passing of David Broder by Former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle and Bob Dole

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by former Senate Majority Leaders and founders of the Bipartisan Policy Center Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, and Bob Dole on the passing of David Broder:

"Through his thoughtful reporting and objectivity, David Broder set the standard for those who worked in journalism and occupied political life. His knowledge of American politics was immeasurable. Yet he constantly returned to simple themes: that Democrats and Republicans should work together for the public good; that civility and compromise on behalf of the American people are not only necessary, but noble; and that the tenor of public debate should be cordial, good-humored, and even genuinely uplifting. David understood, as well as any political journalist, that the future of our country and our ability to tackle our toughest challenges, regardless of the issue, required bipartisan action.

"In 2007 when we launched the Bipartisan Policy Center, and again in 2009, when we released our bipartisan blue print for health care reform, David covered our efforts, remarking that they were 'a good thing for the country.' He, too, did many good things for this country, and his friendship and wisdom will be deeply missed."